LAKE FOREST — Bears rookie minicamp had 70 players, which means when James Daniels lined up at left guard, he was playing alongside a few first-year players that only the die-hard fans have heard of (Brandon Greene, Will Pericak) and rookie tryout players who may never play in an NFL game.

While Anthony Miller waits to participate in team drills, seventh-rounder Javon Wims took Miller’s position at wide receiver with a few tryout players who won’t come closer to an NFL field than they did this weekend.

But when Matt Nagy, Vic Fangio and Ryan Pace looked at the inside linebackers, they could see a glimpse of the future — there was No. 8 pick Roquan Smith standing next to fourth-rounder Joel Iyiegbuniwe.

NFL teams would love to have 22 starters comprised of all draft picks. It’s virtually impossible, albeit a financially ideal situation that reflects strong drafting and player development. In a perfect world, did the three days of practice,...